In our March Women In PHCP spotlight, we invite you to meet Shasta Braun, scheduling manager for The Furnace Guy Heating and Cooling! 

PHCPPros: What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

Braun: I provide customer service to the Colorado Springs area and manage my guys in the field as they provide top-notch services to the community. 

PHCPPros: How and why did you decide to enter a career in the PHCP industry? 

Braun: Honestly, I found myself in the HVAC field because of employment opportunity. I have been in a couple of fields, predominantly the plumbing field, because of my father. But, I feel as people, we are always searching for our 'Forever Home' — from a career standpoint. I came to love this field though, because I really enjoy helping others. I feel like being able to bring something to the community as simple as relief and comfort — especially in the home — is a very rewarding feeling.

PHCPPros: What have been some of your career highlights?

Braun: Some of my career highlights would have to be my promotion to a management position and most definitely this nomination. It's something I will always remember and cherish. 

PHCPPros: What are your thoughts on mentorship for women? 

Braun: I would have to say the girls in the office with me are my greatest mentors and support system. I feel like they have made that 'Forever Home' feeling real for me. It's not always doing what you love, but more so who you work with that makes all the difference. The support and love around the office is the best, but I also have to give a big thanks to the owners, Toby and Sarah, as well as my guys because a team is only as good as all the players in it.

I don’t mentor anyone per se, however if I did have someone come to me, I'd definitely encourage them to never fear coming into this industry. I had close to no knowledge when I came into the HVAC field, but my knowledge has since flourished. Even in a predominantly male industry, when it boils down to it, we are all just people and human beings.

PHCPPros: What do you think the PHCP industry can do to better recruit and retain women?

Braun: The first thing that comes to mind is open mindedness. Women have statistically been viewed as less-than in specific fields. However we are now in the 21st century, and I don’t feel like gender should or shouldn’t qualify anyone. Being good at something grows from a passion. My wife is a laborer who is extremely capable and great at what she does in the all male-dominated fields she has found herself in.

Women have more to prove, making us work twice as hard to be seen as equal. Acknowledgement goes a long way to retain women already in this field, and empowering the underdogs will help recruit more. I hope to see the numbers climb when it comes to women in this industry.

PHCPPros: Is there anything from your personal life you would like to highlight?

Braun: I'd like to thank my whole family for all of their support and love. From the long days, the late-night phone calls, weekend work and everything in between, I couldn’t ask for a better family and team. Big shout out to my three amazing children and my wife. Everything I do and how hard I push is for them!

Do you know someone you would like to nominate for our Women In PHCP newsletter series? Email PHCPPros Digital Strategy Manager Nicole Meyer at [email protected]!